Maruti’s bestseller, the Alto, is all set for another engine upgrade. The manufacturer is reported to be readying a new variant which will have a larger 1.0-litre motor with K-series technology and is expected to go on sale as early as next month.

The current Alto, launched in 2000, is powered by the FC 800cc motor which has a modest 46bhp and6.26 Kgm of torque, and starts at Rs 2.29 lakh. There was also a 1.1-litre Alto earlier, but it’s been discontinued for a while now.

The K-series family of engines has two displacements - a 1.2-litre which powers the Ritz and the Swift range, and a 1.0-litre version which was introduced in the A-Star and then used in the Zen Estilo as well as the redesigned Wagon R. Maruti Alto will soon join the 1.0-litre K-series club, making it the fourth model in the family to have this motor.

The 1.0-litre K-series motor is very responsive and is smoother than the 800cc engine which is currently being used in the Alto. It is also considered one of the best engines found on small cars in the Indian market. It churns out a healthy 66bhp with 9.09 Kgm of torque, and is said to have a fuel efficiency of as high as 20kpl for the Alto.

The K-series engine-equipped Alto is likely to be priced at Rs 40,000 more than the current 800cc version. This new Alto will be in direct competition with the 1000cc Chevrolet Spark which starts at Rs 3.15 lakh.  

The 800cc Alto will continue to be on sale alongside the upcoming 1.0-litre variant.